1
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Yi YJ, Tang H, Pi PL, Zhang HW, Du SY, Ge WY, Dai Q, Zhao ZY, Li J, Sun Z. Melatonin in cancer biology: pathways, derivatives, and the promise of targeted delivery. Drug Metab Rev 2024; 56:62-79. [PMID: 38226647 DOI: 10.1080/03602532.2024.2305764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Melatonin, historically recognized for its primary role in regulating circadian rhythms, has expanded its influence particularly due to its wide range of biological activities. It has firmly established itself in cancer research. To highlight its versatility, we delved into how melatonin interacts with key signaling pathways, such as the Wnt/β-Catenin, PI3K, and NF-κB pathways, which play foundational roles in tumor development and progression. Notably, melatonin can intricately modulate these pathways, potentially affecting various cellular functions such as apoptosis, metastasis, and immunity. Additionally, a comprehensive review of current clinical studies provides a dual perspective. These studies confirm melatonin's potential in cancer management but also underscore its inherent limitations, particularly its limited bioavailability, which often relegates it to a supplementary role in treatments. Despite this limitation, there is an ongoing quest for innovative solutions and current advancements include the development of melatonin derivatives and cutting-edge delivery systems. By synthesizing the past, present, and future, this review provides a detailed overview of melatonin's evolving role in oncology, positioning it as a potential cornerstone in future cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Juan Yi
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Hong Tang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Peng-Lai Pi
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | | | - Si-Yu Du
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Wei-Ye Ge
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Qi Dai
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Zi-Yan Zhao
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jia Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Zheng Sun
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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2
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Yang X, Xu L, Yang L, Xu S. Research progress of STAT3-based dual inhibitors for cancer therapy. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 91:117382. [PMID: 37369169 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), a transcription factor, regulates gene levels that are associated with cell survival, cell cycle, and immune reaction. It is correlated with the grade of malignancy and the development of various cancers and targeting STAT3 protein is a potentially promising therapeutic strategy for tumors. Over the past 20 years, various compounds have been found to directly inhibit STAT3 activity via different strategies. However, numerous difficulties exist in the development of STAT3 inhibitors, such as serious toxic effects, poor therapeutic effects, and intrinsic and acquired drug resistance. STAT3 inhibitors synergistically suppress cancer development with additional anti-tumor drugs, such as indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 inhibitors (IDO1i), histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi), DNA inhibitors, pro-tumorigenic cytokine inhibitors (PTCi), NF-κB inhibitors, and tubulin inhibitors. Therefore, individual molecule- based dual-target inhibitors can be the candidate alternative or complementary treatment to overcome the disadvantages of just STAT3 or other targets as a monotherapy. In this review, we discuss the theoretical basis for formulating STAT3-based dual-target inhibitors and also summarize their structure-activity relationships (SARs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojuan Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Xinxiang University, Xinxiang 453003, China.
| | - Lu Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Xinxiang University, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Li Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Xinxiang University, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Shaohong Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Xinxiang University, Xinxiang 453003, China.
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3
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Li Z, Liu J, Fu H, Li Y, Liu Q, Song W, Zeng M. SENP3 affects the expression of PYCR1 to promote bladder cancer proliferation and EMT transformation by deSUMOylation of STAT3. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:8032-8045. [PMID: 36227136 PMCID: PMC9596220 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) has been found in various types of human cancers, including bladder cancer (BC). In our study, we examined the regulation of STAT3 post-translational modifications (PTMs) and found that SENP3 is high in bladder cancer. Sentrin/SUMO-specific protease3 (SENP3) and STAT3 were highly expressed in BC tissues when compared with tissue adjacent to carcinoma. SENP3 induced STAT3 protein level and p-STAT3 translocating into nuclear through deSUMOylation of STAT3. Further, nuclear STAT3, as a transcriptional activity factor, promoted pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase 1 PYCR1 gene and protein level by interacting with the promoter of (PYCR1). Next, we found that knockdown of PYCR1 inhibited Epithelial to mesenchymal transition of bladder cancer, and simultaneously mitigated the carcinogenic effects of STAT3. In vitro, STAT3 knockdown in bladder cancer cells inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In contrast, SENP3 overexpression reversed these effects. In all, results lend novel insights into the regulation of STAT3, which has key roles in bladder cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Li
- Department of Urology, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha City, Hunan Province 410005, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Urology, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha City, Hunan Province 410005, China
| | - Huifeng Fu
- Department of Urology, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha City, Hunan Province 410005, China
| | - Yuanwei Li
- Department of Urology, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha City, Hunan Province 410005, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Department of Urology, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha City, Hunan Province 410005, China
| | - Wei Song
- Department of Urology, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha City, Hunan Province 410005, China
| | - Mingqiang Zeng
- Department of Urology, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha City, Hunan Province 410005, China
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4
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Li J, Hu X, Zhang H, Peng Y, Li S, Xiong Y, Jiang W, Wang Z. N-2-(Phenylamino) Benzamide Derivatives as Dual Inhibitors of COX-2 and Topo I Deter Gastrointestinal Cancers via Targeting Inflammation and Tumor Progression. J Med Chem 2022; 65:10481-10505. [PMID: 35868003 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Given the close association between inflammation and cancer, combining anti-inflammation therapy is prominent to improve the anticancer effect. Based on I-1, a series of agents targeting COX-2 and Topo I were designed by combining fenamates and phenols. The optimal compound 1H-30 displayed an enhanced inhibitory effect on COX-2 compared to tolfenamic acid and I-1 and showed better inhibition of Topo I than I-1. Importantly, 1H-30 showed potential anticancer effects and suppressed the activation of the NF-κB pathway in cancer cells. 1H-30 inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF-κB and suppressed the production of NO, COX-2, and IL-1β in RAW264.7. In vivo, 1H-30 showed acceptable pharmacokinetic parameters, decreased the tumor growth without affecting the body weight, down-regulated COX-2 and MMP-9, and induced apoptosis in the CT26.WT tumor-bearing mice. Accordingly, 1H-30 as a potential Topo I/COX-2 inhibitor which possessed anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects, with inhibition of the NF-κB pathway, is promising for gastrointestinal cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfang Li
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.,State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xiaoling Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.,State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Honghua Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.,State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yan Peng
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Shuang Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Yongxia Xiong
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Weifan Jiang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan, China.,School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.,State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
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5
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Lei F, Xiong Y, Wang Y, Zhang H, Liang Z, Li J, Feng Y, Hao X, Wang Z. Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Novel Evodiamine Derivatives as Potential Antihepatocellular Carcinoma Agents. J Med Chem 2022; 65:7975-7992. [PMID: 35639640 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Evodiamine has many biological activities. Herein, we synthesize 23 disubstituted derivatives of N14-phenyl or the E-ring of evodiamine and conduct systematic structure-activity relationship studies. In vitro antiproliferative activity indicated that compounds F-3 and F-4 dramatically inhibited the proliferation of Huh7 (IC50 = 0.05 or 0.04 μM, respectively) and SK-Hep-1 (IC50 = 0.07 or 0.06 μM, respectively) cells. Furthermore, compounds F-3 and F-4 could double inhibit topoisomerases I and II, inhibit invasion and migration, block the cell cycle to the G2/M stage, and induce apoptosis as well. Additionally, compounds F-3 and F-4 could also inhibit the activation of HSC-T6 and reduce the secretion of collagen type I to slow down the progression of liver fibrosis. Most importantly, compound F-4 (TGI = 60.36%) inhibited tumor growth more significantly than the positive drug sorafenib. To sum up, compound F-4 has excellent potential as a strong candidate for the therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Lei
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yongxia Xiong
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Yuqing Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Honghua Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Ziyi Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Junfang Li
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yiyue Feng
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xiangyong Hao
- Department of General Surgery, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.,State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
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6
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Li J, Hu X, Luo T, Lu Y, Feng Y, Zhang H, Liu D, Fan X, Wang Y, Jiang L, Wang Y, Hao X, Shi T, Wang Z. N-2-(phenylamino) benzamide derivatives as novel anti-glioblastoma agents: Synthesis and biological evaluation. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 226:113817. [PMID: 34537445 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma is one of the most lethal brain tumors. The crucial chemotherapy is mainly alkylating agents with modest clinical success. Given this desperate need and inspired by the encouraging results of a phase II trial via concomitant Topo I inhibitor plus COX-2 inhibitor, we designed a series of N-2-(phenylamino) benzamide derivatives as novel anti-glioblastoma agents based on structure modification on 1,5-naphthyridine derivatives (Topo I inhibitors). Notably, the target compounds I-1 (33.61 ± 1.15 μM) and I-8 (45.01 ± 2.37 μM) were confirmed to inhibit COX-2, while a previous reported compound (1,5-naphthyridine derivative) resulted nearly inactive towards COX-2 (IC50 > 150 μM). Besides, I-1 and I-8 exhibited higher anti-proliferation, anti-migration, anti-invasion effects than the parent compound 1,5-naphthyridine derivative, suggesting the success of modification based on the parent. Moreover, I-1 obviously repressed tumor growth in the C6 glioma orthotopic model (TGI = 66.7%) and U87MG xenograft model (TGI = 69.4%). Besides, I-1 downregulated PGE2, VEGF, MMP-9, and STAT3 activation, upregulated E-cadherin in the orthotopic model. More importantly, I-1 showed higher safety than temozolomide and different mechanism from temozolomide in the C6 glioma orthotopic model. All the evidence demonstrated that N-2-(phenylamino) benzamide derivatives as novel anti-glioblastoma agents could be promising for the glioma management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfang Li
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Xiaoling Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Tian Luo
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Yingmei Lu
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Yiyue Feng
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Honghua Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Dan Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Xiaohong Fan
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Yuqing Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Liming Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Yuying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Xiangyong Hao
- Department of General Surgery, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Tao Shi
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
| | - Zhen Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China; State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China; School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
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7
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Empowering Melatonin Therapeutics with Drosophila Models. Diseases 2021; 9:diseases9040067. [PMID: 34698120 PMCID: PMC8544433 DOI: 10.3390/diseases9040067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Melatonin functions as a central regulator of cell and organismal function as well as a neurohormone involved in several processes, e.g., the regulation of the circadian rhythm, sleep, aging, oxidative response, and more. As such, it holds immense pharmacological potential. Receptor-mediated melatonin function mainly occurs through MT1 and MT2, conserved amongst mammals. Other melatonin-binding proteins exist. Non-receptor-mediated activities involve regulating the mitochondrial function and antioxidant cascade, which are frequently affected by normal aging as well as disease. Several pathologies display diseased or dysfunctional mitochondria, suggesting melatonin may be used therapeutically. Drosophila models have extensively been employed to study disease pathogenesis and discover new drugs. Here, we review the multiple functions of melatonin through the lens of functional conservation and model organism research to empower potential melatonin therapeutics to treat neurodegenerative and renal diseases.
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8
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Bai Y, Liu D, Zhang H, Wang Y, Wang D, Cai H, Wen H, Yuan G, An H, Wang Y, Shi T, Wang Z. N-salicyloyl tryptamine derivatives as potential therapeutic agents for Alzheimer's disease with neuroprotective effects. Bioorg Chem 2021; 115:105255. [PMID: 34435574 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) has become a serious threat to the developed nations with burgeoning patients and annual costs on health care system in modern society. Neuroinflammation, as one of the specific biochemical factors in the progress of neurodegeneration diseases, performs a crucial role in the pathogenesis and development of AD. Therefore, it is of great significance to develop effective anti-neuroinflammatory strategies for the treatment of AD. N-salicyloyl tryptamine derivatives were previously reported and demonstrated that possessed great potential anti-neuroinflammatory effects and favorable blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeation. Herein, a series of novel N-salicyloyl tryptamine derivatives were synthesized and their anti-AD potential was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. Among them, L7 performed well anti-neuroinflammatory effects and excellent neuroprotective effects, as well as little toxicity. To lucubrate its potential for the treatment of AD, behavior tests including morris water maze (MWM), eight-arm radial maze, open field test and novel object recognition (NOR) test were carried out and the results showed that L7 could remarkably improve Aβ-induced cognitive impairment. Moreover, the mechanism of action of L7 on improving Aβ-induced AD was preliminarily investigated, and the results uncovered that the neuroprotective effects of L7 was might exerte via intervening Aβ-induced pyroptosis through NLRP3-caspase-1-GSDMD axis and ameliorating neuronal apoptosis by mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Besides, the distribution of Aβ plaques in brain tissues were detected by immunohistochemical (IHC) assay and the results indicated that L7 could significantly attenuate the deposition of Aβ plaques in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinliang Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Dan Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, West Donggang Road, No. 199, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Honghua Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, West Donggang Road, No. 199, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yuying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Degui Wang
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Hongbin Cai
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Huaixiu Wen
- Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810008, China
| | - Guoqiang Yuan
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Hui An
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Yali Wang
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Tao Shi
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, West Donggang Road, No. 199, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| | - Zhen Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, West Donggang Road, No. 199, Lanzhou 730000, China; State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; School of Pharmaceutical Science, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China.
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9
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Samec M, Liskova A, Koklesova L, Zhai K, Varghese E, Samuel SM, Šudomová M, Lucansky V, Kassayova M, Pec M, Biringer K, Brockmueller A, Kajo K, Hassan STS, Shakibaei M, Golubnitschaja O, Büsselberg D, Kubatka P. Metabolic Anti-Cancer Effects of Melatonin: Clinically Relevant Prospects. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3018. [PMID: 34208645 PMCID: PMC8234897 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13123018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming characterized by alterations in nutrient uptake and critical molecular pathways associated with cancer cell metabolism represents a fundamental process of malignant transformation. Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland. Melatonin primarily regulates circadian rhythms but also exerts anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, antioxidant and anti-tumor activities. Concerning cancer metabolism, melatonin displays significant anticancer effects via the regulation of key components of aerobic glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) and lipid metabolism. Melatonin treatment affects glucose transporter (GLUT) expression, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) activity, lactate production and other metabolic contributors. Moreover, melatonin modulates critical players in cancer development, such as HIF-1 and p53. Taken together, melatonin has notable anti-cancer effects at malignancy initiation, progression and metastasing. Further investigations of melatonin impacts relevant for cancer metabolism are expected to create innovative approaches supportive for the effective prevention and targeted therapy of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Samec
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia; (M.S.); (A.L.); (L.K.); (K.B.)
| | - Alena Liskova
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia; (M.S.); (A.L.); (L.K.); (K.B.)
| | - Lenka Koklesova
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia; (M.S.); (A.L.); (L.K.); (K.B.)
| | - Kevin Zhai
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha P.O. Box 24144, Qatar; (K.Z.); (E.V.); (S.M.S.)
| | - Elizabeth Varghese
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha P.O. Box 24144, Qatar; (K.Z.); (E.V.); (S.M.S.)
| | - Samson Mathews Samuel
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha P.O. Box 24144, Qatar; (K.Z.); (E.V.); (S.M.S.)
| | - Miroslava Šudomová
- Museum of Literature in Moravia, Klašter 1, 66461 Rajhrad, Czech Republic;
| | - Vincent Lucansky
- Biomedical Centre Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Mala Hora 4D, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia;
| | - Monika Kassayova
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, P. J. Šafarik University, 04001 Košice, Slovakia;
| | - Martin Pec
- Department of Medical Biology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia;
| | - Kamil Biringer
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia; (M.S.); (A.L.); (L.K.); (K.B.)
| | - Aranka Brockmueller
- Musculoskeletal Research Group and Tumour Biology, Chair of Vegetative Anatomy, Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich, D-80336 Munich, Germany; (A.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Karol Kajo
- Department of Pathology, St. Elizabeth Cancer Institute Hospital, 81250 Bratislava, Slovakia;
- Biomedical Research Centre, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 81439 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Sherif T. S. Hassan
- Department of Applied Ecology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Mehdi Shakibaei
- Musculoskeletal Research Group and Tumour Biology, Chair of Vegetative Anatomy, Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich, D-80336 Munich, Germany; (A.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Olga Golubnitschaja
- European Association for Predictive, Preventive and Personalised Medicine, EPMA, 1160 Brussels, Belgium;
- Predictive, Preventive and Personalised (3P) Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Dietrich Büsselberg
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha P.O. Box 24144, Qatar; (K.Z.); (E.V.); (S.M.S.)
| | - Peter Kubatka
- Department of Medical Biology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia;
- European Association for Predictive, Preventive and Personalised Medicine, EPMA, 1160 Brussels, Belgium;
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Fan X, Li J, Long L, Shi T, Liu D, Tan W, Zhang H, Wu X, Lei X, Wang Z. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of N-anthraniloyl tryptamine derivatives as pleiotropic molecules for the therapy of malignant glioma. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 222:113564. [PMID: 34091208 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
COX-2 and STAT3 are two key culprits in the glioma microenvironment. Herein, to inhibit COX-2 and block STAT3 signaling, we disclosed 27 N-anthraniloyl tryptamine compounds based on the combination of melatonin derivatives and N-substituted anthranilic acid derivatives. Among them, NP16 showed the best antiproliferative activity and moderate COX-2 inhibition. Of note, NP16 decreased the level of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3, and blocked the nuclear translocation of STAT3 in GBM cell lines. Moreover, NP16 downregulated the MMP-9 expression of BV2 cells in a co-culture system of BV2 and C6 glioma cells, abrogated the proliferative/invasive/migratory abilities of GBM cells, induced apoptosis by ROS and the Bcl-2-regulated apoptotic pathway, and induced obvious G2/M arrest in glioma cells in vitro. Furthermore, NP16 displayed favorable pharmacokinetic profiles covering long half-life (11.43 ± 0.43 h) and high blood-brain barrier permeability. Finally, NP16 effectively inhibited tumor growth, promoted the survival rate, increased the expression of E-cadherin and reduced overproduction of PGE2, MMP-9, VEGF-A and the level of p-STAT3 in tumor tissue, and improved the anxiety-like behavior in C6 glioma model. All these evidences demonstrated N-anthraniloyl tryptamine derivatives as multifunctional anti-glioma agents with high potency could drain the swamp to beat glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Fan
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Junfang Li
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Lin Long
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Tao Shi
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
| | - Dan Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Wen Tan
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Honghua Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Xiaoyong Lei
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China.
| | - Zhen Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China; School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
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Melatonin Downregulates PD-L1 Expression and Modulates Tumor Immunity in KRAS-Mutant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115649. [PMID: 34073318 PMCID: PMC8199131 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients harboring a KRAS mutation have unfavorable therapeutic outcomes with chemotherapies, and the mutation also renders tolerance to immunotherapies. There is an unmet need for a new strategy for overcoming immunosuppression in KRAS-mutant NSCLC. The recently discovered role of melatonin demonstrates a wide spectrum of anticancer impacts; however, the effect of melatonin on modulating tumor immunity is largely unknown. In the present study, melatonin treatment significantly reduced cell viability accompanied by inducing cell apoptosis in KRAS-mutant NSCLC cell lines including A549, H460, and LLC1 cells. Mechanistically, we found that lung cancer cells harboring the KRAS mutation exhibited a higher level of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1). However, treatment with melatonin substantially downregulated PD-L1 expressions in both the presence and absence of interferon (IFN)-γ stimulation. Moreover, KRAS-mutant lung cancer cells exhibited higher Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) levels, and PD-L1 expression was positively correlated with YAP and TAZ in lung cancer cells. Treatment with melatonin effectively suppressed YAP and TAZ, which was accompanied by downregulation of YAP/TAZ downstream gene expressions. The combination of melatonin and an inhibitor of YAP/TAZ robustly decreased YAP and PD-L1 expressions. Clinical analysis using public databases revealed that PD-L1 expression was positively correlated with YAP and TAZ in patients with lung cancer, and PD-L1 overexpression suggested poor survival probability. An animal study further revealed that administration of melatonin significantly inhibited tumor growth and modulated tumor immunity in a syngeneic mouse model. Together, our data revealed a novel antitumor mechanism of melatonin in modulating the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment by suppressing the YAP/PD-L1 axis and suggest the therapeutic potential of melatonin for treating NSCLC.
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Ma H, Kang J, Fan W, He H, Huang F. ROR: Nuclear Receptor for Melatonin or Not? Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26092693. [PMID: 34064466 PMCID: PMC8124216 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26092693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Whether the retinoic acid-related orphan receptor (ROR) is a nuclear receptor of melatonin remains controversial. ROR is inextricably linked to melatonin in terms of its expression, function, and mechanism of action. Additionally, studies have illustrated that melatonin functions analogous to ROR ligands, thereby modulating the transcriptional activity of ROR. However, studies supporting these interactions have since been withdrawn. Furthermore, recent crystallographic evidence does not support the view that ROR is a nuclear receptor of melatonin. Some other studies have proposed that melatonin indirectly regulates ROR activity rather than directly binding to ROR. This review aims to delve into the complex relationship of the ROR receptor with melatonin in terms of its structure, expression, function, and mechanism. Thus, we provide the latest evidence and views on direct binding as well as indirect regulation of ROR by melatonin, dissecting both viewpoints in-depth to provide a more comprehensive perspective on this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haozhen Ma
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510055, China; (H.M.); (J.K.); (W.F.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jun Kang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510055, China; (H.M.); (J.K.); (W.F.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Wenguo Fan
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510055, China; (H.M.); (J.K.); (W.F.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Hongwen He
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Correspondence: (H.H.); (F.H.); Tel.: +86-20-8733-0570 (H.H. & F.H.)
| | - Fang Huang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510055, China; (H.M.); (J.K.); (W.F.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Correspondence: (H.H.); (F.H.); Tel.: +86-20-8733-0570 (H.H. & F.H.)
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Zhu L, Li J, Fan X, Hu X, Chen J, Liu Y, Hao X, Shi T, Wang Z, Zhao Q. Design, synthesis and antitumor activity evaluation of Chrysamide B derivatives. Bioorg Chem 2021; 111:104828. [PMID: 33895605 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.104828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Marine natural products derived from special or extreme environment provide an important source for the development of anti-tumor drugs due to their special skeletons and functional groups. In this study, based on our previous work on the total synthesis and structure revision of the novel marine natural product Chrysamide B, a group of its derivatives were designed, synthesized, and subsequently of which the anti-cancer activity, structure-activity relationships and cellular mechanism were explored for the first time. Compared with Chrysamide B, better anti-cancer performance of some derivatives against five human cancer cell lines (SGC-7901, MGC-803, HepG2, HCT-116, MCF-7) was observed, especially for compound b-9 on MGC-803 and SGC-7901 cells with the IC 50 values of 7.88 ± 0.81 and 10.08 ± 1.08 μM, respectively. Subsequently, cellular mechanism study suggested that compound b-9 treatment could inhibit the cellular proliferation, reduce the migration and invasion ability of cells, and induce mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis in gastric cancer MGC-803 and SGC-7901 cells. Furthermore, the mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis induced by compound b-9 is related with the JAK2/STAT3/Bcl-2 signaling pathway. To conclude, our results offer a new structure for the discovery of anti-tumor lead compounds from marine natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longqing Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Junfang Li
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xiaohong Fan
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xiaoling Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jinhong Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yonghong Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology/Guangdong Key Laboratory of Marine Material Medical/RNAM Center for Marine Microbiology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese academy of sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangyong Hao
- Department of General Surgery, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Tao Shi
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| | - Zhen Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| | - Quanyi Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
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